chosen , the likelihood of an effective fumigation is low ( An integrated pest management program for the Australian almond industry ( AL16009 )). An ideal almond storage method would address issues of eliminating contamination , ability for aeration , be sealable for fumigation and continuous monitoring of key storage conditions . Each storage unit would be sized to meet product segregation requirements and be supported by fill and empty machinery to minimise labour requirements . Best practice would be an adaptation of a grain silo design however these are capital intensive and not yet proven by research .
Cost-effective solution A collaboration of the authors has led to the development of a cost effective storage solution that bridges the gap between an almond specific silo and current methods . This solution uses existing loading and emptying machinery and has the following features :
• Circular – the stack is formed in a uniform cone straight off the fill elevator . This helps minimise under tarp pockets that trap moisture and induce mould
• Delineated – a 1.12 m high steel wall defines the edge of the stack , increasing the storage volume per square meter of land area . The wall includes facilities for aeration and tarpaulin securing . It also allows more thorough storage area hygiene
• Modular – available in a range of sizes to handle harvest logistics , product segregation requirements and existing machinery .
• Easily filled – select the right diameter to suit the available elevator .
• Covered – both a ground tarp that over hangs the walls and a set of top tarps are used to prevent rainfall entering the product stack and to facilitate correct aeration .
• Aerated – gently dries the inhull almond creating the right conditions for longer term storage . Aeration ensures that moisture does not build up under the tarp .
• Ventilated – a sealable top roof vent ensures that aeration air is directed in the most efficient manner , ensuring moisture is not trapped .
• Encapsulated for fumigation
Construct almond ring and add aeration
Fill with almonds to top of almond ring , tarp and aerate
Figure 2 . Schematic of Harveston almond ring aeration system for drying , fumigating and storing almonds .
– can be sealed for fumigation to ensure effective pest control , reducing the potential for pesticide resistance build up .
• Easy emptying – the walls can be easily disassembled to allow free access to the product with loaders .
• Monitor and control – almond condition can be checked for temperature , relative humidity and moisture content using the Ag-IQ moisture spear . A controller can be added that compares the ambient conditions with the almond conditions to control fan run time .
• Compact storage - easy to assemble , disassemble and store when not required . Expanded or reduced in size to meet seasonal changes . Low labour requirements
• Mobile – can be moved between sites to where it is needed .
• Cost effective – to ensure the best use of capital .
Drying and storage rings Almond drying and storage rings ( see Figure 2 for schematic ) are available from Harveston Aeration Solutions . The people at Harveston draw on 30 + years of business experience in the design , manufacture and distribution of a wide range of agricultural and industrial products . Their recent experience in the design and manufacture of aerated grain silos provides an excellent background for the provision of specialised aeration equipment for the Australian almond industry . Harveston will manufacture and distribute aerated kits from 100 to 950m 3 in easy to transport packages for assembly on site as harvest requires . Initially , Harveston will offer a solution that can be loaded with a conventional almond elevator ( 5m height ). This will be an 8.2m ( 27 ’) diameter storage ring which will hold 100m 3 of almonds . Each ring assembly consists of :
• Wall assembly – Bolt together wall segments with tarp tie down points and ground anchors .
• Aeration system – Fan , pipe work and distributor matched to the size of the ring , integrated with the wall assembly .
• Tarps – Top and bottom designed for aeration , shaped specifically for the ring , and for almond repose angle .
• Tarp straps and easy tensioners – to allow easy retensioning during drying and storage .
• Tarp ventilator – effective weather proof ventilation for the top tarp with integrated tarp retainers .
industry . australianalmonds . com . au
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